TP expects more roster juggling during rest of season

San Antonio’s game against Cleveland on Tuesday night starts a finishing kick that will include 16 games spread over the final 23 nights of the season. The stretch will include seven back-to-back games and one back-to-back-to-back road swing.

Coach Gregg Popovich has been masterful juggling his roster this season, employing 11 different lineup combinations this season. Popovich has coached around 17 different injury and rest night combinations in the first 50 games of the season. He gave new acquisitions Boris Diaw and Patty Mills the night off in the Spurs’ victory over Indiana last night.

Spurs guard Tony Parker said the team’s depth has been a big reason for the team’s fast start.

“I think it’s huge,” Parker said. “Pop’s doing a great job managing everybody, making sure we stay fresh. The whole thing is for us to be fresh during the playoffs. We’re 13 players deep and that’s going to help us down the stretch.”

Parker expects a few more lineup combinations during the rest of the season.

“I think so,” Parker said. ” I think Pop’s going to change it a little bit. With so many games, back to backs, we’re not sure if Timmy and Manu will play. Pop’s got a master plan in his head. We’re going to see a lot of different lineups.”